Discussion Meetings

I'm not going to belabor the "drugs" comments that have been covered well in other posts. I would be interested in hearing what you believe are suitable discussions/comments at a discussion meeting. The growth of discussion meetings during the past few years have really opened up the topics discussed. I have heard folks complain about traffic, their spouse, their job etc--and not just newbies but folks with significant time.The focus was not on the solution but seemed to be simply a bitch session. I have attended women's meetings where the topic seemed to be the abuse they have suffered in the past. Since I have not been physically/sexually abused (thank God) it is hard for me to relate to this. So I quit going. Should discussion meetings be limited? Non-discussion meetings are increasingly hard to find. What are your thoughts?

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Permalink Reply by Bob Worthington on August 10, 2009 at 7:18am
If you quit going, they win. I try to remind people of the singleness of purpose to steer the meeting in the right direction. Don't quit going to meetings. We need to keep
Permalink Reply by Southpaw (Erin H) on August 10, 2009 at 7:24am


Meeting after a meeting =)
Permalink Reply by Sara VP on August 10, 2009 at 8:20am
All of our meetings are discussion meetings. We sometimes pick the topic out of the Big Book, the Daily Reflections, and As Bill Sees It. We usually discuss solutions (although there'll always be the occasional whiner). Sometimes we discuss how we're struggling, and then listen to what people have to say. We also have a "Topics" list if all else fails. One group uses popsicle sticks with topic word(s) on them that you draw on from a cup.

Maybe because our meetings are small, the whining is kept to a minimum? I will admit, I haven't been to an AA meeting in a few months, but our Alanon meeting is GREAT and it seems to fit my needs for recovery.
Permalink Reply by Amy(Wallace)C on August 10, 2009 at 10:36am
Well according to Bill Wilson the sole purpose of an AA meeting is sobriety through the practice and teaching of the steps (personally I add in the Traditions).
IF we stick to the sole purpose as put forth by our founder, I don't see why/how a meeting no matter it's format shouldn't be a success.
Permalink Reply by Robert H on August 20, 2009 at 12:16pm
As far as others things are concerned It was believed by the founder members that it was better do one thing supremely well than many badly.
The big reason this work is because it one drunk talking to another… the only thing I can offer a junkie is to “just stop” like I did and that is not going to help either of us.
Permalink Reply by Crystal A. on January 4, 2010 at 4:29pm
Hello,
My thoughts are:
The reasons or why we are in our 12-step program doesn't really matter.

What matters to ME is, when someone else is suffering (from anything that may trigger their disease) that I am available to share my experience strength and hope with them that they may learn new ways to cope with life on lifes terms.

I had 14 years sobriety and a strong program until I started thinking that my living problems were not suppose to be shared with my sponsor, or at the meeting level. That got me into hot water, trying to be a so called, "Old Timer." That is BS. All any of us has is 24 hours a day. We need not look for the differences, but the commonality that we are all humans suffering with this human physical condition called LIFE!

We need not do it alone. We can share our heartfelt anxieties in a safe place and shouldn't have to worry about being judged like at work or other places.

Don't quit going to meetings, try listening with your heart not your head and see with your heart and not your eyes.

God's Blessings and healings to you. I hope you are not as self critical to yourself as you are to the group, it would be painful...I know, cuz I do that myself. :(

Eternally, Crystal
Permalink Reply by Crystal A. on January 7, 2010 at 9:49pm
Last night was the first night for me to secretary our local AA meeting. We have many newcomers. I believe that alcoholism is a lonely man's disease. Following the singleness of purpose is necessary and, if someone needs to share "BRIEFLY" what is going on with them, and how they deal great, otherwise the group conscious can attack me on my way to the parking lot and help me out with any kind of support for what their higher power or sponsor suggested them to do that worked.

Blessings in 2010 to all of us!
Crystal
Permalink Reply by DwightMayo on January 8, 2010 at 8:20am
Anything is a good topic!
HOW we can deal with our reactions to it should be the gist of the discussion though.

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